The
Sign up for free.
The Wohnungsgenossenschaft von 1904 e.G. is a pioneer of the North German housing industry with over 120 years of history. Founded in 1904 by 87 officials of the Reichs-Post- und Telegraphenverwaltung in Hamburg, it now manages 3,780 apartments with a total living space of over 263,500 m², supplemented by 54 commercial spaces, 10 community rooms and 1,148 garages and parking spaces. Around 12,000 people – including approx. 5,762 members and their families – call these properties their home, especially in the districts of Mitte, Nord, Eimsbüttel and Wandsbek.[1][2][3][5][6]
As a developer, landlord, employer and neighborhood developer, the cooperative focuses on creating modern, affordable apartments that meet the highest standards. Profits generated primarily flow into new construction, modernization and maintenance – in 2023 it invested €21.61 million in this alone (of which €7.91 million was for new construction, €4.26 million for modernization, €9.22 million for maintenance).[2][3][5] Projects in Hamm and Horn include 150 new family apartments. With a fluctuation rate of only 6.14% and average usage fees of €7.51/m² (2023), it ensures long-term tenant security.[5][6]
The cooperative offers special services for vulnerable groups: people with low incomes, the elderly, families with children, people with disabilities and migrants. Three service apartment complexes enable self-determined aging, three neighborhood meeting places and advice centers promote neighborly coexistence. Pioneering achievements such as digital tenant master data management since 1990, training of real estate agents and social management underline its innovative corporate philosophy.[6][8]
"Human by Tradition" – the guiding principle embodies the principles of the founders: good, safe, affordable apartments for a lifetime, a sense of community and quality of life in Hamburg. Based on cooperative principles (promotion, identity and usage principle), members are both owners and users. Democratic decision-making, social responsibility and a cooperative approach are at the center. As a solid business enterprise with a balance sheet total of €240.47 million (2023) and an equity ratio of 37.43%, it avoids speculation and invests profits in the portfolio.[1][2][3][5]
With 39 employees under the management of Clemens Karger and Holger Westphal, the "1904" acts as a medium-sized engine and local employer with a high level of expertise.[2]
Sustainability is at the heart of the strategy: 60% of the housing stock already meets contemporary energy standards, and this grows annually through renovations and new construction. The 2023/24 business and sustainability report dedicates 18 pages to climate protection – from species protection to hydropower. The Stiftung „Nachbarn helfen Nachbarn“ (since 2002) fights child and old-age poverty and loneliness.[5][8]
The "1904" positions itself as a start-up among cooperatives: innovative, future-oriented and firmly rooted in Hamburg – for affordable housing in the urban housing crisis.[6][7]
(This description comprises approx. 2,450 characters incl. spaces.)
